Two checks, not one
Apple’s main check is on the company behind the listing. In Apple Business, the organization gets verified once, and after that adding locations is far easier. A separate, lighter check exists for a single place you are claiming from the map: Apple phones the number it already has for that place.
Knowing which check you’re looking at prevents a lot of confusion. If the screen says Verify Now under Settings > Organization, it wants company proof. If you see Location Verification while claiming a place, it wants proof that you answer that place’s phone.
The four organization methods
Apple accepts these, and you need two different ones:
- Business ID. A D-U-N-S Number or an Employer Identification Number.
- Domain Validation. You add a TXT record to your domain’s DNS so Apple can see you control the website.
- App Store Connect. You pick an app your organization publishes. Not open to agencies.
- Document upload. A business license, sales tax permit, food, health or alcohol permit, lease or property agreement, utility bill or another official document.
Pick two that all show the same legal name. A mismatch between the name on your EIN letter, the name on your lease and the name you typed at sign-up invites questions, and Apple notes it may change the organization name during review.
Timing and the 60-day clock
Apple says review can take up to five business days, longer when volume is high, and may depend on whether Apple can reach your contact. Keep the phone number you gave at sign-up working.
The deadline matters more than the wait. Apple gives you 60 days to complete verification. If it isn’t approved by then, Apple deletes the organization, its data and any Managed Apple Accounts in it. Don’t sign up months before you can produce documents.
Getting it right the first time
Use a person’s real name for the first admin; Apple sends back placeholders like “IT Coordinator.” Don’t tick the agency box unless you are an agency. And if you change details later under Settings > Organization, Apple says some changes need its review again and it will notify you when they’re approved.
If it doesn't work
- Apple sent your organization name back for correction: Apple may change the organization name during verification. Use the legal name on your documents.
- No email arrived: allow mail from all apple.com domains in your spam filter, then check Settings > Organization for the status.
- Nearly 60 days have passed: finish verification now. Apple deletes organizations that aren't approved in the window, along with their data.
- Domain Validation fails: the TXT record must be added on your domain's DNS. Ask whoever runs your domain to add it exactly as copied.
Questions owners ask
Which two methods are easiest for a small business?
If you have an EIN, Business ID is a natural first pick. For the second, a document upload works if you have a business license, sales tax permit, lease or utility bill in the business name. Domain Validation is fast if you can edit your DNS.
Does a website help?
A website is optional when you sign up, but Apple says including one can speed up verification. Make sure the site shows the same business name you entered.
What can I do before I'm verified?
You can start setting up, but Apple holds back key steps. Its photo guide says the organization must be verified before you can add photos, and the add-location flow asks you to verify before a first location goes to Apple for review.
Sources
- Sign up and verify your organization (support.apple.com)
- Add a single location (support.apple.com)
- Add, edit, or delete photos (support.apple.com)
- Manage organization details (support.apple.com)
Checked 13 Nov 2026. When the platform changes its process we update this page and log it in What changed.